Critics Blast Former Speaker Boehner As A ‘Sell-Out’ Over Post-Retirement Lobbying Gig

According to recent reports, former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner will be keeping busy in the private sector after securing two distinct high-level positions.

Earlier this month, news broke that Boehner was chosen to serve as the director of the board of Reynolds American Inc. The company produces several cigarette brands and tobacco-related products, including Camel, Boehner’s reported brand of choice.

Days after his lucrative and influential gig at Reynolds was announced, lobbying firm Squire Patton Boggs announced the Ohio Republican had been added to its roster.

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The reported $400,000 salary Boehner is to receive from Reynolds is expected to pale in comparison to an annual payday from the lobbying firm that some project could top $1 million.

One-time politicians have long followed up their public service by lobbying many of the same elected officials they once worked alongside.

Nevertheless, Boehner has received significant criticism for what some see as his flirtation with an ethical gray area.

Conservative Review’s Chris Pandolfo noted the frequency with which former lawmakers move from Capitol Hill to K Street, the D.C. thoroughfare famous for housing some of the district’s most influential lobbying firms.

The writer described K Street as “a revolving door for former politicians who seek to make a quick buck using the relationships they have built in the legislature to dance bills to the tune of lobbying firms.”

While Boehner has not officially registered as a lobbyist in connection with his newest position, The Intercept’s Lee Fang suggested such a move is largely irrelevant in today’s political climate.

“Boehner’s retirement from the House was met by speculation in the political press that he was done with politics and more interested in sipping wine and mowing the lawn,” Fang wrote. “But in reality, he’ll still be a major political player, finally getting the role he’s auditioned for over the course of three decades in elected office.”